Dapper Snappers – Review & Giveaway!
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I contacted Michelle, the mompreneur behind Dapper Snappers, and she very generously agreed to do a review and giveaway on my site. In addition, she is offering a Dapper Snappers coupon code for The Helping Mommy readers!
Dapper Snappers are a neat little contraption designed to hook through your child’s back belt loops to cinch the waist of their pants. My 5-year-old is SO tall. We have to go for the larger size in pants to get the right length, but the waist is so big that his pants fall down when he’s running. Poor kid!
The first thing I noticed when I opened the envelope that the Dapper Snappers came in, was the adorable packaging:
Isn’t that cute? It’s hooked around little cardboard belt loops that look like pants. Love it!
Anyway, the website says that it’s for kids 9 months – 6 yrs (one size fits all). I’ve tried them on my 5-year-old’s pants, and on my 18-month-old’s and I have to say that it works great. The dapper snappers are made of an elastic-y material, and you have two sets of the bottom-snaps to choose from, making this easily adjustable.
A word of caution: remember to take it off and put it someplace safe before you throw it in the hamper. I’ve put mine through the wash, and there weren’t any problems…..except for the fact that I couldn’t remember which pair of pants they were on (or who had worn them last), and we had a heck of a time finding it!
Couldn’t the kids just wear a belt? Sure, if you want to add one more barrier between them and a successful trip to the potty! Because the dapper snappers only use the loops in the back of the pants, it won’t interfere with potty training, etc.
The other day my son was picking out a pair of shorts. I told him that they were too big and that he’d have to find a different pair. He returned with “Yeah, but Mommy, it’s not anything the Dapper Snappers couldn’t handle!”. So true, my son! (I think the shorts were without belt loops though, so they did pose an issue after all).
We are very happy with the Dapper Snappers, and I will be needing to get several more pairs of them!
Here it is in action:
I think I may have taken liberties and used an extra belt loop…..but it still did the trick! Sorry the picture is cropped kinda’ funny. The poor kid sat in the wet grass just before this Mama-razzi accosted him with my camera and I just couldn’t post a big old wet spot on his drawers. (money’s tight – trying to save on some future therapy bills!) 
These are not currently being sold in the big-box stores, but if you go on the Dapper Snappers website, you can do a search by state to find them in your area.
You can also purchase them on the website for $9.95/single pair or $26.85/3-pack. Oh, and did I mention that they come in multiple colors? Sweet!
You can use code HelpMom15off for 15% off your purchase of Single Dapper Snappers (Dapper Snapper Multipacks and Fundraisers not included). Code expires August 21st, 2010.
Michelle is offering 2 pairs of Dapper Snappers for one lucky reader. Are you ready to win? Here are the rules:
Please make sure to include your email address in your entries so I know how to contact you if you win.
Mandatory Entry (must be done for bonus entries to count)
Go to Dapper Snappers and tell me which color is your favorite.
Extra Entries Please leave a separate comment for each entry awarded
- Like Dapper Snappers on Facebook and tell them that The Helping Mommy sent you – 1 extra entry
- Follow Dapper Snappers on Twitter: @DapperSnappers – 1 extra entry
- Follow me on Twitter: @sdakin105 – 1 extra entry
- Tweet about this giveaway. Don’t forget to include @DapperSnappers and @sdakin105 in your Tweet – This can be done daily, 1 entry per day
- Subscribe via email on my sister site, MomKaboodle (must be verified) – 3 extra entries (3 separate comments)
- Follow me via Google Friend Connect on this site, or on MomKaboodle – 2 extra entries PER SITE
Some extra rules and my disclaimer:
Although I received a pair of Dapper Snappers to review and keep, I was not monetarily compensated in any way, nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review about this or any product. My opinions are my own.
This giveaway will run until 11:59 pm EST on Friday, August 13th, at which time a winner will be chosen via random.org and contacted. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond back, or they will forfeit the prize and I will choose another winner.
This giveaway is open to US & Canada. Thanks, and good luck!
Filling Your Tank….
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. –Isaiah 40:31
Thank you Lord, for these wonderful words!
I have been feeling somewhat weary and faint, burdened and ineffective. Kind of like Sysiphus from Greek Mythology – you know, the one that had to roll a huge boulder up hill, only to have it roll all the way back down once he got it to the top?
But I know that I can stand on God’s promise to renew my strength and to help me soar.
Thanks for stopping by, and please join the Seeds of Faith iFellowship blog hop below!
Oh, I have a currently have a neat giveaway going on, and I have another one coming up in the next day or so, so stay tuned!
I’m Not Perfect….
….no, I’m not.
I’m not perfect…
….but I like what I’ve got!
Do you know that Laurie Berkner song?
Well it certainly describes how I feel -- a whole lot of the time!
We had a rough day today. One of many, unfortunately. But with God’s grace we made it through. Hop on over to the post I wrote for Seeds of Faith today to find out more. I’d love to hear your suggestions, as well!
Oh yeah, here’s the song for you to enjoy:
Got Fidgety Kiddos? Try Chewelry! Review + Giveaway
My little boy (who will be 5 next week!) is a bundle of energy. He’s ALWAYS in motion (including those jaws: jabber, jabber, jabber)!
I’m also constantly telling him to take something or other out of his mouth. I don’t know where the appeal is, but EVERYTHING goes in his mouth.
I came across Kid Companions Chewelry, and was so excited when they agreed to do a review and giveaway on my site.
What is Chewelry? I’m so glad you asked!
It is a wearable, chewable necklace. It is great for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and oral motor issues. It also used to help kids with ADD and ADHD to focus on tasks.
photo courtesy of Chewelry.ca
Now my son has not been diagnosed with any of these disorders, nor do I think he needs to be (except in moments of dire frustration and aggravation!). Hehe, just kidding….sort of. But the kid does need to MOVE, and he does love to chew. We received the green heart necklace, and I had to condition myself not to immediately say “take that out of your mouth!”.
One of my favorite things about the design is the break-away clasp. You have to be so careful with anything the little guys put around their necks. If they’re running and get snagged on something…..yikes. If you tug on the Chewelry (with less than 5 lbs of pressure), the clasp will release making this safe for them to wear. You can even choose to personalize your Chewelry either with the child’s name, or even with any type of allergies they may have – peanut, dairy, etc.
Pierrette and Lorna, the co-owners of the Kid Companions line truly put a lot of thought into the design of this product. The heart shaped pendants have a dip in them as well as a rubbery protruding shape that allows for extra fidgeting (or “worrying”).
All parts can be washed with soap and water. The pendant itself is top-rack dishwasher safe. Everything is non-toxic and FDA approved. There is no latex, lead, BPA, PVC or Phthalates in the Chewelry products.
My son loves wearing the Chewelry, and it’s a relief to know that what he’s putting in his mouth isn’t toxic (which unfortunately we do have to worry about with toys. Yeesh!).
Please note that Chewelry is intended for children 3 and older.
Now, for the fun part! Kid Companions is giving away a Chewelry necklace to one of my lucky readers!
Please make sure to leave your email address in with your entry so I can contact you if you win!
Mandatory Entry (This must be completed for all extra entries to count)
Visit Chewelry.ca. Come back here and leave me a comment letting me know one thing you learned about Chewelry and which color you would choose if you were to win.
Extra (optional) Entries
Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry completed. (i.e., if you earn 3 extra entries, please mark as 3 separate comments).
1. Add yourself as a friend on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) – (give yourself 1 extra entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter (1 extra entry)
3. Follow Lorna from Chewelry on Twitter – (Give yourself 3 extra entries)
4. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post (leave me the link to your post) – (5 extra entries)
5. Visit my sister site, MomKaboodle and add yourself to the Google Friend Connect over there. (Give yourself 2 extra entries)
6. Subscribe to MomKaboodle via email (right sidebar). The subscription must be verified for this to count. – Give Yourself 4 Extra Entries
7. Tweet this giveaway up to 1 time per day. Don’t forget to add @LornadEnt and @sdakin105 to your tweet! (1 extra entry per day).
Contest Rules, etc: This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday August 4, 2010. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Open to US & Canada residents.
Although I received a complimentary Chewelry necklace to review and keep, my opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the company. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review.
99 Photos for Under a Dollar – Ends July 13th
Snapfish is running a special promotion right now, but you have to hurry to take advantage of it.
Up until July 13th (tomorrow), you can order 99 4″ x 6″ prints for 1 cent each.
Use coupon JULY99PENNY at checkout.
(Tax and shipping is extra, US orders only, and mail-order only – you can’t use this offer for your prints at WalMart, CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
I’m definitely jumping on this offer. I was just realizing the other day that we don’t even have a photo album for my 18-month-old. (poor 2nd child!). We have tons of pictures of her, just not tons of PRINTED pictures. So I’m going to make my baby girl her own photo album and hope she’s too young to be scarred for life that Mommy didn’t do it earlier.
‘Cuz according to my husband, being the youngest child is harder. This is an ongoing debate in our house since I’m the oldest in my family (you know, having to pave the way for the younger sibling(s) to just skate through when its their turn to deal with curfews, etc.). hehe.
Anyway, go get your prints from Snapfish. You’ll see an offer on the site for 50 prints for 50 cents – it’s a different coupon code. To get the 99 for 99 cents, use the code mentioned above!
Been Busy, But Ready For Some Fellowship!
Hi! Come on in! Let me move aside some piles of laundry (it’s clean, don’t worry!) and if you could just hand me those toys over there…..great.
Sorry it’s such a mess. I’ve had a lot going on lately, and haven’t had much energy to expend on cleaning. Or updating this blog, for that matter!
What’s been keeping me so busy? Well, aside from the little ones methodically un-doing any kind of cleaning that I do, I’ve recently acquired a new website that I’ve been working on. It’s a place for Moms, but I’m hoping to focus specifically on helping the Work-at-home-Mom (WAHM), or the want-to-be-WAHM. (all the rest of the moms can continue hanging out over here – I’ve got you covered!)
I’m definitely seeing a need for balance these days. I’ve allowed myself to get overwhelmed, and it feels like my plate keeps piling higher and higher. I’ve been trying to refocus on the Lord, and He has been showing me lately that less really is more. Less STUFF in our house will in turn equal less to clean up, giving us more time, and more peace. We’re planning a tag sale in a few weeks (aka Yard Sale or Garage sale for you non-New Englanders!), and I’m hoping to clear out quite a bit of STUFF.
I also need to work on focusing on a few things instead of agreeing to too many things……does the phrase “Jack-of-all-trades, Master of none” keep sounding like a game-show gong in my head? Why yes, yes it does.
I love, love, love Matthew 11:28-30 where Jesus says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Yes Lord, please help me to cast off this yoke that I have put upon myself and to take yours on instead!
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment and let me know where to visit you. Don’t worry if it’s a mess – I’m used to it!
Praying For Those In Need Today…..
My heart is heavy with thoughts of others in need today. I’m feeling the need to put it out there in CyberWorld – maybe you’d like to help me lift up these friends, loved ones and acquaintances in prayer?
I’m normally not one for praying in front of others (except for my kiddos), but here we go:
Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for yet another beautiful day today! Please help us to be a blessing to others today, and to bring Glory to Your name.
Father, I lift up the following people to you. You know their needs, Lord. Please bring blessings and healing to them.
- First and foremost, I want to pray for my little ones. Both kiddos have had fevers and have been vomiting since yesterday. I hate seeing them feeling miserable!
- My IRL friend (and BFF), Jen. Please bring her the peace that she is seeking. Help her to feel Your presence and your love. Please use me, Lord, as you see fit to help and support her.
- For Honey and her family. They are going through so much right now! Please bring help and healing to them, Lord.
- For all of the great gals over at Seeds of Faith. Please help them to feel Your presence today and your gentle hand on their lives. Thank you so much for bringing them into my life! Please bless them all, Lord.
- I would also like to lift up Melissa Ingold in prayer, Lord. I cannot even imagine what she is going through! Please help her family through this difficult time, and draw them nearer to You.
Forgive me Father for complaining and moaning about trivial things when others are suffering and bearing burdens much heavier than my own.
Please help me Lord to be the mom, the wife, the daughter, sister and friend that You made me to be. Thank you so much for the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Help me to use my gifts as You intended them.
In the words of my son and I, “Thank you, we love you, Amen!”
How about you? Do you have any needs that you would like for me to lift up for you today? Leave me a comment, message me on Twitter or send me an email. I’d be happy to do it!
Photographic Print
Buy at AllPosters.com
Fresh Summer Ideas for your Crock Pot {Guest Post}
This is a guest blog post written by Jaime-Ann Laidlaw of Family Foodies.
The Crock Pot. Many of us remember them from our childhood. Mom would prepare the family dinner in the early hours while the kiddies gathered around the table to eat their Wheaties and dad would read the morning paper. OK so that might be a little farfetched, but whenever the thought of a Crock Pot enters my mind I imagine polyester solid colored slacks on mom and a plaid tweed blazer on dad, and children in turtlenecks. 
So where did this thing we have all come to love and adore come from? When did it first appear on kitchen tops all across America? It was about 1970”ish” and was developed by Naxon Company of Chicago. Who? I know, I thought that too. It turns out that Rival bought the rights and perfected what has to be one of the most common housewarming gifts given these days!
There are a lot of really good things that come out of Crock Pots. For example:
• Chili
• Stew
• Baby Back Ribs
• Pot Roast
• Soups
Now if that didn’t get you thinking about food don’t read any further because I am going to show you some yummy summertime crock pot recipes that will have you drooling!
What says summer more than the thought of a picnic table with a spread of all things that do not require cutlery? What about Spare Ribs ? This 2 step cooking process is the secret behind these ribs! Here is a simple recipe for some really awesome ribs borrowed from the queen of kitchen shortcuts: Sandra Lee
Hot Honeyed Spare Ribs
Ingredients
• 4 pounds baby back ribs, cut in 1/2
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce
• 1 cup Catalina dressing
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
• Preheat broiler. Line bottom portion of broiler pan with foil for easy clean up. Spray top rack lightly with cooking spray.
• Season ribs with garlic salt and pepper. Broil for 5 to 6 minutes, turn and broil for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Place browned ribs in slow cooker.
• In a mixing bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. Pour sauce mixture over ribs. Move ribs around to make sure they are all coated. Cover and cook on High setting for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.
• With tongs, remove ribs from slow cooker and let cool slightly before cutting into individual rib pieces. Skim grease from sauce. Serve ribs with sauce on the side.
Moving on with things that do not require a fork. I am rather new to this next item and I have no one to blame but myself. The edible green monster; the artichoke. I found this recipe earlier this year and reference it quite often! This is a simple one-pot method to cook these weird looking yummy things. My favorite part is dipping them in oil seasoned with garlic and spices.
CROCK POT ARTICHOKES
Ingredients:
5 artichokes, remove stalks and tough leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
8 peppercorns
2 stalks celery, cut up
1/2 lemon, sliced
2 cups boiling water
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in crockpot.
2. Cook on High 4 – 5 hours.
Ok so I tried to find a really good dessert that did not require a fork or spoon – but I couldn’t. I mean I have some and I found some but they really are not worthy of making this shortlist. So I have concluded that for something to be a FANTASTIC dessert it must require a utensil of some sort! I got the recommendation of this from a friend who loves razzledazzlerecipes.com
Crockpot Baked Stuffed Apples
6 medium tart red apples
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup golden seedless raisins
1 tbsp. grated orange peel
1/4 cup soft butter
2 cups very hot water
3 tbsp. orange juice concentrate
Wash, core and stem the apples, but don’t peel them. Stand them in a buttered mold and stuff them with 2/3 cup of the brown sugar, the raisins and the orange peel. Fill the tops of the core cavities with butter and sprinkle the remaining sugar over the tops.
Place the mold in the slow cooker and pour the hot water into the cooker. Sprinkle the orange juice concentrate over the apples. Cover the cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours, or until the apples are tender.
Eat up; enjoy; forget doing dishes for hours!
Do you have any yummy crock pot recipes that you want to share? Please do! Insert your favorite crockpot dishes into the comments section and maybe we can all find some new ideas for dinner!
For more great kitchen ideas be sure to visit Family Foodies!
photo credit: love♡janine
Thou Shalt Fellowship!
One of my favorite “groups” of people to meet up with are Christian mommies. Not only can we share our experiences in rearing these blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us, but we also can help each other raise our kiddos in a way that is pleasing to Him.
One great way to Fellowship online is linking up on the Wednesday iFellowship blog hop over at Seeds of Faith.
If you are a Christian blogger, come on over. You can link up your own blog and meet some other great Christian bloggers!
